More than 100 Irish companies actively engaged with the European space sector, new report finds

Enterprise Ireland has today announced publication of the ‘Space Activities in Ireland 2023’ Report, highlighting the growing participation and success of Irish companies in the European space sector. Pictured is Marina Donohoe, Head of Research and Innovation at Enterprise Ireland,Danny Gleeson, Chief Commercial Officer and co-founder of Réaltra, Minister Emer Higgins, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail and Michael Martin Engineering Manager at Réaltra. Pic Shane O'Neill Coalesce. 

More than 100 Irish companies were actively engaged with the European space sector (ESA) last year, with a new report by Enterprise Ireland demonstrating the "significant expansion" of Ireland's role in the industry.

In 2023, the ESA awarded contracts worth €9.9m to Irish companies primarily focused on industrial activities, with industrial co-funding of €2.2m further supporting these enterprises. 

Throughout the year, 25 companies, including three newly space-active businesses, were supported in developing products and technologies across sectors including telecommunications, earth observation, and space exploration.

A key highlight of the year was the successful launch of the Educational Irish Research Satellite 1 (EIRSAT-1), Ireland’s first satellite, in December 2023, marking a significant milestone, Enterprise Ireland said. EIRSAT-1 is a student-led project from University College Dublin and was developed in collaboration with Irish technology companies.

"2023 was a momentous year for the Irish space sector," said Emer Higgins, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail.

"The increasing number of Irish companies working with ESA, alongside the launch of EIRSAT-1, highlights Ireland’s strong position in this fast-growing sector.

Marina Donohoe, Head of Research and Innovation at Enterprise Ireland, added: “The strong growth in Irish companies engaging with ESA, now reaching 109, is a clear indicator of Ireland’s expanding footprint in the global space economy. 

"This year’s report demonstrates the progress and impact Irish companies are making through collaboration with ESA, not only in advancing space technology but also in driving innovation in sectors with downstream applications."

Last year also saw the establishment of the Irish Space Association (ISA), a new organization designed to foster collaboration among space-active companies and research organizations in Ireland. 

The space economy was valued at $630bn in 2023 and is forecast to reach $1.8trn by 2035, with an average annual growth rate of 9%, significantly outpacing global GDP growth.